dantrim
Yale. MI
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Our DP has been sitting for the last 6 months without being moved. Due to health issues, it appears that our RV'ing days are over and have put it up for sale. I start the genny every few months and 'exercise' it, but the engine has only been started once since I parked it. I plan on taking it for a spin within the next few weeks to 'exercise' the chassis, but was wondering if it would be a good idea to add a fuel additive before I drive it. The last time fuel was put in was in February.
Comments??
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sailor_lou
Connecticut
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My CAT owners manual is pretty clear about NOT using any fuel additives. Personally I do not believe it will cause any harm, but see little value in adding anything. My engine sits every winter for at about six months with no issues. Just my .02 worth.
Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
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jetboater454
No Idea
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If it starts and run,drive it,add the additive,top of the tank.Run the gen under a load for an hour or so and you should be good to go.You also might need to clean the battery terminals.
"If momma not happy  ....Who cares.I have my TH AND my toys  .
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Jackha1949
Any Where USA
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I would add a biocide to prevent algae growth in the fuel tank, especially in warm humid weather. I use a biocide and DS (Diesel Service) additive to my DP and I have a CAT C7. The ULDF I have heard has less lubricant so the DS adds lubricant to the fuel. Sorry to hear your health problems have ended your motor homing days. Good Luck and Hope things get better for you.
Jack & Peg
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K1ZMB
Sioux Falls, SD
06 Itasca Horizon 40KD
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Diesel fuel does not "rot" and turn to varnish like gasoline does. No fuel additive is required.
Algae will only grow in diesel fuel where water is present. It grows at the water/fuel interface. Keep the tank full to minimize condensation, and algae should not be a problem. No additive is required.
If the tank has summer fuel in it, and you don't get it sold before cold weather sets in, an additive for cold weather may be required to prevent the formation of wax crystals in the fuel, which will clog the filters.
If you do put an additive of any kind in the tank, run the coach engine and the generator long enough to ensure the additive is well mixed with the fuel, and the treated fuel is in the filters and lines throughout.
Good luck on your sale.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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I expect the closer one is to Canada the less fuel storage issues there are for diesel fuel.
If selling is in your future I would drive and operate all the equipment and list it locally, CL, etc and try to move it before winter due to its selling price trending lower each year.
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down home
south
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Cat or no other will reccomend you need an additive. It upsets the EPA Not political just fact. It would make their mandate look damaging to engines or whatever. It's been a while and I don't remember the phrasing.
Our Engine Mfg Rep ULSD does not meet minimum lubrication requirements and to use an additive but not to quote him.
This was 4 years ago and things have not changed. Only a couple of additives really are great. Biodiesel has great lubricity but it's not great on engine seals etc or at least older ones. When I find it I will put a couple gallons in per 100 gallons.
The other two I don't remember. There are a few of sites on the net with lubricity charts. One is Diesel place dot com. Others are pretty similar
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crasster
Dallas
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I would NOT add anything if it was 6 months. I'd start it, and drive it up to a gas station and put some fresh diesel on top of it. Should be fine.
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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dantrim wrote:I plan on taking it for a spin within the next few weeks to 'exercise' the chassis, but was wondering if it would be a good idea to add a fuel additive before I drive it. The last time fuel was put in was in February.
Comments??
If you filled it last February, you still have winter blend in it. If it is full, or close to full, forget any additive.
As to "exercise" the chassis, well if you run it 50 to 100 miles, I would consider that exercise, but if you only run it 10 miles - forget it cause you are not helping it at all. Needs to be warmed up and 10 miles does not warm it up. So, the best "exercise" in just running the generator under load, and nothing else. Don't even think of turning the engine over!!! Maybe do a oil change to get the old oil out, but do yourself a favor by warming it up and doing a used oil analysis on the old engine oil and then change it. That way you have the current oil analysis to show any prospective buyers if you plan on selling. Plus you don't have any old oil and acid sitting in the crankcase over the winter.
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tplife
SoCal
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For gasoline-powered generators, YES! Oxygenated fuel blends will begin to seperate into their components in as little as 30 days, clogging fuel jets and injectors. StaBil is worth its weight in gold! We use it for the gas-powered garden tools, the Harley, and fuel supplies to keep them in read-to-use condition. A small price for a great insurance policy, unless you like spending your Saturday afternoons disassembling a carburator...
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